Question

Do I pay a part-time nanny/sitter while I am away on vacation for a month?

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I know this is a common question, but my situation is a bit different. Our nanny takes care of our 7 month old DD but her main employer is a family with 2 kids for whom she works from 11:30-6pm every day. We use her about 15-18 hours a week but the days vary and it's usually worked around the other family. (The usual is 2 days a week from 8:30-5). However, she has moved our scheduled times around to accomodate the other family, which we understand as they are her main source of income. However, she asked us to pay her while we are away on vacation for a month. I was a bit surprised and I'm not sure what to do. Any thoughts?

Mom Answers

If your boss came to you and said that he was not going to need you for a month and wasn't going to pay you, how would you feel? Even though you only employ your nanny for 15-18 hours a week, that's still a significant source of income for her. She may or may not be able to find temp work for that time period. What if no pay from you for that month equals her finding another family? How would you feel about possibly losing her? I know that paying her the full rate could be tough for you, but I agree with others to pay at least part of her pay to " hold your spot".

I would compromise and pay her half of what she normally gets per week. I don't believe this is an unreasonable request. As a nanny, I always followed the rule of thumb that if the parents cancelled, I would get paid. If I cancelled, I wouldn't get paid. And remember, your agreement with her is independent of her agreement with the other family. Her arrangements with them shouldn't color your decision here. If you want a nanny that is only committed to you, find another nanny.

I think it depends on your relationship with this person and also if they would not care for your child when you return should you decline to pay. In a working environment part time employees RARELY get any benefits so based on that guideline she wouldn't be due any pay. Maybe you can come to a compromise and pay less than you would if she was there. A regular daycare requires payment to hold your spot if you go on VACA.

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